How to Find Breweries in Pittsburgh PA

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has emerged as one of the most vibrant craft beer destinations in the United States. With over 70 active breweries scattered across its neighborhoods—from the historic North Side to the revitalized South Side—Pittsburgh offers a rich tapestry of brewing culture, innovation, and community-driven beer experiences. Whether you're a local resident looking to explore new taps, a visitor planning a beer-centric itinerary, or a beer enthusiast seeking authentic regional flavors, knowing how to find breweries in Pittsburgh PA is essential to fully engaging with the city’s liquid heritage.

The importance of this knowledge extends beyond mere convenience. Identifying the right breweries means discovering unique local ingredients, supporting small businesses, experiencing seasonal and limited-release brews, and connecting with the stories behind each pint. Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene is deeply intertwined with its industrial past and modern renaissance, and each brewery often reflects the character of its neighborhood. This guide will walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to locate, evaluate, and visit breweries in Pittsburgh, ensuring you make informed, enjoyable, and memorable choices.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define Your Purpose for Visiting Breweries

Before you begin searching, clarify your intent. Are you looking for:

• Taproom experiences with food pairings?
• Brewery tours and behind-the-scenes access?
• Local IPAs or sour ales with regional ingredients?
• Family-friendly spaces with outdoor seating?
• Beer festivals or special release events?

Each goal requires a different approach. For example, if you're interested in tours, prioritize breweries that offer scheduled guided experiences. If you’re seeking rare releases, focus on those known for small-batch or barrel-aged programs. Defining your purpose narrows your search and helps you avoid wasting time on venues that don’t align with your interests.

2. Use Dedicated Craft Beer Mapping Platforms

The most efficient way to locate breweries in Pittsburgh is through specialized beer discovery platforms. These tools aggregate real-time data on brewery locations, hours, beer menus, and user reviews. Start with:

• Untappd – The largest social network for beer drinkers. Search “Pittsburgh, PA” and filter by “Breweries.” Each listing includes ratings, recent check-ins, and user comments about specific beers and ambiance.
• BeerAdvocate – Offers detailed brewery profiles, beer ratings, and community discussions. Ideal for enthusiasts seeking in-depth analysis of flavor profiles and brewing techniques.
• Google Maps – Search “breweries near me” or “best breweries in Pittsburgh PA.” Use filters for “open now,” “wheelchair accessible,” or “outdoor seating.” Google’s integration of photos, reviews, and business hours makes it indispensable for on-the-go planning.

These platforms often update in real time, so you can confirm whether a brewery is open, hosting an event, or temporarily closed for a private function.

3. Explore Neighborhood-Specific Beer Trails

Pittsburgh’s breweries are clustered in distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Creating a neighborhood-based itinerary enhances your experience and minimizes travel time. Key areas include:

• North Side – Home to giants like Penn Brewery and East End Brewing Co.. This area combines historic architecture with modern taprooms and is easily accessible via public transit.
• South Side – A dense concentration of breweries including 901 North, Modern Times (Pittsburgh location), and Big Spruce. Known for its lively street scene and food trucks.
• Lawrenceville – A hub for innovation with Primordial, Thistle Finch, and Truly Local. This neighborhood blends arts, culture, and craft beer.
• Wilkinsburg – Emerging as a craft beer hotspot with Wilkinsburg Brewing Co. and Brickhouse Brewery, offering a more community-focused, neighborhood feel.
• East Liberty – Features Steel City Brew Works and Highmark Stadium Brewpub, ideal for those combining beer with sports or cultural events.

Plan your visits by grouping breweries within a 1–2 mile radius. Use Google Maps to plot a walking or biking route. Many Pittsburgh neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, and bike-sharing services like Healthy Ride make it easy to hop between locations.

4. Check Official Brewery Websites and Social Media

While third-party apps are helpful, always verify details on the brewery’s official website and social media channels. Many Pittsburgh breweries:

• Update their tap lists daily on Instagram or Facebook.
• Announce limited releases, collaborations, or taproom exclusives.
• Post about live music, trivia nights, or food pop-ups.
• Require reservations for groups or weekend visits.

For example, East End Brewing Co. regularly posts its “Taproom Schedule” on Facebook, including which beers are being poured on draft and whether their kitchen is open. Primordial uses its website to announce barrel-aged releases weeks in advance, often selling out within hours. Skipping this step may lead to disappointment if you arrive expecting a beer that’s already tapped out.

5. Use Local Beer Guides and Publications

Pittsburgh has a thriving local media ecosystem focused on craft beer. Subscribe to or browse these trusted sources:

• Pittsburgh Beer Examiner – A weekly newsletter with brewery spotlights, new releases, and event calendars.
• Table Magazine – Features in-depth profiles of Pittsburgh brewers and their philosophies.
• Post-Gazette’s Food & Drink Section – Publishes seasonal guides like “Top 10 New Breweries in Pittsburgh This Spring.”
• Pittsburgh Craft Beer Festival Website – Even outside festival dates, the site lists participating breweries and their specialties.

These publications often include interviews with head brewers, details on sourcing local hops or grains, and insights into brewing techniques unique to the region—information not found on generic apps.

6. Engage with Local Beer Communities

Join online forums and local groups to get insider tips:

• Reddit: r/Pittsburgh – Search “breweries” for recent threads. Locals frequently post about hidden gems, taproom specials, or closures.
• Facebook Groups – “Pittsburgh Craft Beer Lovers” and “PA Beer Enthusiasts” have active members who share photos of new pours and real-time updates.
• Meetup.com – Look for “Pittsburgh Beer Tasting” or “Brewery Hopping” groups that organize guided tours.

These communities often know about pop-up events, brewery anniversaries, or collaborations that aren’t advertised widely. One user might mention that Brickhouse Brewery releases a bourbon-barrel stout every first Friday of the month—information you won’t find on their website.

7. Visit During Off-Peak Hours for Better Experience

Many Pittsburgh breweries are busiest on Friday and Saturday nights, especially in the South Side and Lawrenceville. To avoid crowds and get more attention from staff:

• Visit on weekdays between 3–6 PM.
• Arrive early on weekends—before 2 PM.
• Consider visiting during colder months when outdoor seating is less crowded.

During quieter times, brewers are more likely to chat about their process, offer samples of experimental batches, or recommend pairings. Many Pittsburgh breweries pride themselves on personal interaction, and a relaxed atmosphere enhances the overall experience.

8. Use Public Transit and Ride-Sharing Wisely

Pittsburgh’s public transit system, Port Authority, serves most major brewery districts. Use the Port Authority Trip Planner to map routes. For example, the 47 bus connects the North Side to Lawrenceville, and the 54 serves the South Side.

If using ride-sharing, consider grouping visits geographically. Avoid driving between distant locations—Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain and one-way streets can make navigation challenging. Designate a non-drinker in your group or use services like Lyft or Uber for safe transport between stops.

9. Track Your Visits and Tastes

Use a journal or app to record what you try. Note:

• Brewery name and location
• Beer style and ABV
• Flavor notes (e.g., citrusy, roasty, funky)
• Atmosphere and service
• Whether you’d return

Apps like Untappd allow you to log beers with photos and ratings. Over time, you’ll notice patterns—perhaps you prefer hop-forward beers from Lawrenceville or sour ales from the North Side. This data turns casual visits into a personalized beer journey.

10. Attend Seasonal Events and Beer Festivals

Pittsburgh hosts over a dozen beer-focused events annually:

• Pittsburgh Craft Beer Festival (June) – The largest, featuring 100+ local breweries.
• Winter Brewfest (February) – Showcases dark beers, stouts, and barrel-aged offerings.
• North Side Brews & Bites (September) – Combines beer with food from local restaurants.
• Taproom Tuesdays – Many breweries offer discounted pints on Tuesdays.

These events are excellent opportunities to sample multiple breweries in one day, meet brewers, and discover new favorites. Many breweries release exclusive beers only available at festivals—making attendance a key part of your search strategy.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Local Ownership and Sustainability

Pittsburgh’s craft beer scene thrives on independent, locally owned breweries. Support businesses that source ingredients from Pennsylvania farms, use renewable energy, or partner with local artists for can designs. Breweries like Thistle Finch and Steel City Brew Works emphasize sustainability through compostable packaging and water recycling. Choosing these venues supports the community and ensures your beer has a lower environmental footprint.

2. Respect Taproom Etiquette

Pittsburgh taprooms are community spaces. Follow these norms:

• Don’t monopolize seating during peak hours.
• Ask before taking photos of the space or other patrons.
• Tip staff—even if service is casual, brewers and pourers often work long hours.
• Don’t bring outside food unless permitted (many breweries have partnerships with food trucks or kitchens).

Respectful behavior fosters a welcoming environment and encourages breweries to remain open to visitors.

3. Sample Before You Buy

Most Pittsburgh breweries offer 4–6 oz tasters. Use them to explore styles you’re unfamiliar with. A sour ale might seem intimidating, but a small sample can reveal complex fruit notes you’ll come to love. Many brewers are happy to recommend a flight based on your preferences—whether you like bitter, sweet, or funky profiles.

4. Ask About Seasonal and Limited Releases

Pittsburgh breweries often create one-off beers using regional ingredients: Pennsylvania-grown hops, wild-foraged berries, or locally roasted coffee. Ask staff: “What’s new or seasonal?” or “Do you have any barrel-aged releases this week?” These beers are often the most unique and reflect the terroir of the region.

5. Learn Basic Beer Terminology

Understanding terms like “hazy IPA,” “lager,” “kveik fermentation,” or “dry-hopped” helps you communicate preferences. For example, if you say, “I like citrusy, low-bitterness IPAs,” a brewer can recommend a New England-style IPA from East End or a session IPA from 901 North. This knowledge turns a casual visit into a meaningful conversation.

6. Support Brewery Merchandise and Beer Sales

Many Pittsburgh breweries sell cans, growlers, and merchandise online or in-house. Buying a six-pack or a branded glass supports their operations and lets you enjoy their beer at home. Look for limited-edition cans with local artwork—these often become collectibles.

7. Be Open to Experimentation

Don’t limit yourself to IPAs or stouts. Pittsburgh brewers are known for innovation: sour wheat ales with rhubarb, lagers brewed with rye, or even beer-based kombuchas. Try something outside your comfort zone. You might discover a new favorite.

8. Visit in Different Seasons

Pittsburgh’s four distinct seasons influence brewing. In winter, expect rich, malty beers. In summer, crisp lagers and fruited sours dominate. Visit the same brewery in different months to see how their offerings evolve. Primordial, for example, releases a winter wheat in December and a summer pale ale in July—both are excellent, but entirely different experiences.

Tools and Resources

1. Untappd (Mobile App & Website)

Untappd is the most comprehensive tool for finding and reviewing breweries in Pittsburgh. Its map feature overlays all registered breweries, shows real-time check-ins, and highlights trending beers. You can create custom lists like “Top 10 Pittsburgh IPAs” or “Breweries with Outdoor Seating.” The app syncs with your social accounts, letting you share discoveries with friends.

2. Google Maps

Google Maps offers reliable, up-to-date information on hours, photos, reviews, and accessibility features. Use the “Popular Times” feature to see when a brewery is busiest. Search filters like “wheelchair accessible” or “free Wi-Fi” help you find venues that meet your needs.

3. Pittsburgh Craft Beer Trail (Official Website)

Created by the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, this interactive map highlights 50+ participating breweries with descriptions, directions, and special offers. It’s updated quarterly and includes QR codes that link directly to brewery websites.

4. BeerAdvocate (Website)

For those seeking detailed beer ratings and technical brewing insights, BeerAdvocate provides user-submitted reviews, style guides, and brewery profiles. It’s particularly useful for identifying award-winning beers or understanding ABV and IBU ranges.

5. Local Publications

• Pittsburgh Beer Examiner – Weekly newsletter with brewery news.
• Table Magazine – Monthly features on brewers and beer culture.
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Seasonal guides and event previews.

6. Social Media Channels

Follow Pittsburgh breweries on Instagram and Facebook. Visual content often shows new beer releases, taproom events, and behind-the-scenes brewing. Use hashtags like

PghBeer, #PittsburghBrewery, or #PghCraftBeer to discover user-generated content and hidden spots.

7. Healthy Ride (Bike Share Program)

With over 100 stations across the city, Healthy Ride is ideal for brewery hopping. Many taprooms offer discounts to riders. Download the app to locate stations and unlock bikes with your phone.

8. Port Authority Trip Planner

Plan public transit routes to brewery districts. The system connects major neighborhoods and is affordable—single rides cost $2.75. Use the app to track bus arrivals in real time.

9. Brewery Event Calendars

Check individual brewery websites for events. Many post monthly calendars detailing:

• Live music nights
• Trivia and board game nights
• Collaboration tap takeovers
• Homebrewer showcases

10. Beer Tasting Kits (DIY Option)

For those who prefer to explore at home, some Pittsburgh breweries offer curated tasting kits—four 4 oz samples of their latest releases, with tasting notes and pairing suggestions. These are available for shipping within Pennsylvania and make excellent gifts or solo exploration tools.

Real Examples

Example 1: Exploring the North Side

On a Wednesday afternoon, you arrive at Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh’s oldest craft brewery, founded in 1986. Using Untappd, you see it has a 4.3 rating and 200+ recent check-ins. The taproom is quiet—only three other patrons. You order a flight: Penn Pilsner, Barrel-Aged Stout, and Summer Wheat. The brewer, a 20-year veteran, explains how they use a traditional German decoction method. You learn the stout was aged in bourbon barrels from a local distillery. You buy a six-pack of the stout to take home. Later, you walk 10 minutes to East End Brewing Co., where you try their St. George IPA—bright, citrusy, and balanced. You log both in Untappd and note the contrast: Penn’s heritage-style approach vs. East End’s modern innovation.

Example 2: Lawrenceville Brewery Hopping

On a Saturday morning, you use Healthy Ride to bike from East Liberty to Lawrenceville. First stop: Primordial. You see their Instagram post about a new sour with local blueberries. You try it—tart, refreshing, with a hint of earthiness. Next, you visit Thistle Finch, where the staff offers a free sample of their experimental “Milkshake IPA.” You chat with the head brewer about using lactose and oats to create texture. You buy a growler and ride to Truly Local, which has live jazz and a dog-friendly patio. You log all three visits, rate them, and share a photo on Facebook with the hashtag

PghBeerTrail. Later that week, you receive a DM from a local beer club inviting you to their next tasting.

Example 3: Winter Brewfest Experience

Attending the Winter Brewfest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, you sample 15 beers in three hours. You try a chocolate porter from Wilkinsburg Brewing Co., a smoked lager from Brickhouse, and a barrel-aged barleywine from Steel City Brew Works. You collect tasting notes and take photos. Back home, you use BeerAdvocate to compare ratings and discover that the barleywine ranked

7 in Pennsylvania. You join their mailing list and sign up for their release party in April.

Example 4: Off-Peak Visit to a Hidden Gem

On a rainy Tuesday, you visit Highmark Stadium Brewpub—a lesser-known spot near the stadium. It’s nearly empty. The bartender notices your Untappd profile and recommends their Smoked Porter, made with locally sourced cherrywood. You try it—smoky, slightly sweet, with a long finish. You ask if they have any seasonal releases. They mention a maple brown ale coming in November. You leave with a growler and a new favorite brewery.

FAQs

Are all Pittsburgh breweries open to the public?

Most are, but some operate on limited hours or require reservations for groups of six or more. Always check the brewery’s website or social media before visiting. A few operate as production facilities with no taproom—these are not open for casual visits.

Can I bring my dog to Pittsburgh breweries?

Many have outdoor patios that welcome dogs. Popular dog-friendly spots include Thistle Finch, Truly Local, and Brickhouse Brewery. Indoor areas are typically restricted to service animals only.

Do Pittsburgh breweries serve food?

Many have on-site kitchens or partner with food trucks. East End Brewing Co. and 901 North offer full menus. Others allow you to bring in food from nearby restaurants. Always confirm their policy before arriving.

Are there gluten-free options available?

Yes. Several breweries offer gluten-reduced or gluten-free beers using alternative grains like sorghum or buckwheat. Primordial and Steel City Brew Works regularly rotate gluten-free options. Ask staff for current selections.

How do I know if a brewery is “craft”?

In the U.S., a craft brewery is defined by the Brewers Association as small (annual production under 6 million barrels), independent (less than 25% owned by a non-craft brewer), and traditional (brewing beer using traditional or innovative ingredients). Nearly all Pittsburgh breweries meet these criteria.

Do Pittsburgh breweries offer tours?

Yes. Penn Brewery, East End Brewing Co., and Primordial offer guided tours that include brewing process explanations and tastings. Tours typically last 45–60 minutes and require advance booking.

Can I ship beer from Pittsburgh breweries?

Some offer shipping within Pennsylvania through licensed distributors. Check individual brewery websites for shipping policies. Out-of-state shipping is limited due to legal restrictions, but many offer online sales with local pickup.

What’s the best time of year to visit Pittsburgh breweries?

Spring and fall offer mild weather and the most variety in seasonal releases. Summer brings fruity sours and lagers, while winter highlights stouts and barrel-aged beers. Festivals occur year-round, but June’s Craft Beer Festival is the largest.

Are there brewery memberships or loyalty programs?

Many offer “Beer Clubs” with monthly deliveries, discounts, and exclusive releases. East End Brewing Co. and Thistle Finch have popular programs. Sign up in person or online for perks like free tastings or early access to new beers.

How can I support Pittsburgh breweries if I can’t visit?

Buy their beer at local retailers, share their social media posts, leave online reviews, or purchase merchandise. Many also have Patreon or crowdfunding pages for special projects.

Conclusion

Finding breweries in Pittsburgh PA is more than a checklist—it’s an immersive journey into the heart of a city that has transformed its industrial legacy into a thriving, community-centered craft beer culture. By combining digital tools like Untappd and Google Maps with local knowledge from publications and community groups, you unlock a world of flavor, history, and connection.

Each brewery tells a story—of resilience, innovation, and local pride. Whether you’re sipping a hop-forward IPA in Lawrenceville, tasting a century-old pilsner in the North Side, or discovering a rare sour at a winter festival, you’re not just drinking beer. You’re engaging with Pittsburgh’s soul.

Use this guide as your roadmap, but don’t be afraid to wander. Ask questions. Try something new. Return to your favorite spots. Let your palate guide you. The best discoveries often come when you least expect them—on a quiet Tuesday afternoon, with a stranger offering you a taste of something they brewed just that morning.

Pittsburgh’s breweries aren’t just places to drink. They’re gathering spaces, creative studios, and living archives of a city that continues to redefine itself—one pint at a time.